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Wednesday, February 26, 1997

Officers gave alcohol to minors in Explorer program, investigation finds

PLANO (AP) - One policeman was fired and five others were disciplined after a monthslong internal investigation revealed several officers provided alcohol to minors in the Explorer program.

The program, under the direction of the Boy Scouts of America, provides young adults high school age and older with exposure to law enforcement and other careers. Participants receive training on topics including drug and alcohol abuse, physical and emotional abuse, and leadership.

Explorer members reported that during a four-year period, officers who served as program advisers often drank alcohol with them and provided beer to underage participants, the Plano Star Courier reported in Sunday's editions, citing personnel records.

The investigation also found that some of the officers failed to report incidents of underage drinking, the newspaper said.

Assistant Police Chief Greg Rushin said he could not discuss the internal investigation.

"Two cases are still pending and a statement now would not be fair to those involved in upcoming hearings," he said.

Officers Jeff Holloman and Chris Burns, both Explorer advisers, have been suspended indefinitely. Holloman appealed and awaits a decision from the Civil Service Commission. Burns has an appeal hearing next month.

Officer Paul Jones was fired Dec. 20 for refusing to cooperate with the internal investigation. According to records, Jones failed to report a fellow officer for supplying alcohol to minors.

None of the officers could be reached for comment Monday.

Three other Plano policemen received letters of reprimand.

Dick Corcoran, executive director of the Boy Scouts Circle 10 Council, said the Boy Scouts encourages advisers to socialize with members, but prohibits drinking.

"Meetings and activities of the (Plano police) group have stopped since the investigation began in April or May," Corcoran said. "This kind of activity is very unusual to find in our Explorer programs. Both kids and advisers go through extensive training about this type of thing."

Plano police records reveal a history of weekend drinking parties and other alcohol-related activities at Burns' home, pool halls and a secluded area of Lake Lavon.

Collin County sheriff's Capt. Kelley Stone, who represents the sheriff's Explorer program, said the Plano officers' actions damaged the program's reputation.

"Each post stands on its own merit, though. We are all supposed to be role models for Explorers, so, of course, this kind of finding concerns us, too," Stone said. Send a Letter to the Editor about This Story | Start or Join A Discussion about This Story
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